How My Nanna’s Cheeky Wisdom Can Help You Find the Right Side Hustle
My Nanna was one of my biggest heroes growing up. Spending time with her was always a highlight of my childhood. She was cheeky, confident, and lived simply on a pension. Yet somehow, she made every moment feel special.
One of my favorite memories with her was heading out for what she called a “Squizzy”—a browse or window shop. She’d take my arm, or as she called it, “put my leg in bed,” and we’d head to the shops, laughing all the way.
Something she always said, without fail, to any shop assistant we met was:
“We’re just having a look, love. You don’t charge for looking, do you?”
Without missing a beat, the shop assistant would laugh and say, “No, of course not. Take your time.”
It was classic Nanna—unapologetically honest and confident, boldly letting them know upfront that she wasn’t there to buy, just to browse. And you know what? The shop assistants didn’t mind one bit.
Curiosity, Confidence, and Side Hustles
I often think of my Nanna’s approach when I see people online exploring different side hustles or income opportunities. These days, our “Squizzies” aren’t in physical shops but on social media feeds or websites, where people share ideas for earning extra income.
Unfortunately, many of these posts are often met with knee-jerk reactions like:
“Scam.”
“Don’t fall for it.”
“Stay away.”
I get it—there’s a lot of skepticism online, and rightly so. But at the same time, these comments can deter people from exploring something that might genuinely work for them.
For Brad and me, traveling full-time with our family meant we wanted to find a way to make money that fit into our lifestyle. We’ve spent a lot of time “Squizzying” online—exploring different opportunities, researching side hustles, and seeing what could eventually grow into something sustainable.
Do you know what happened to us during this process?
Nothing bad.
We weren’t scammed.
Our bank account wasn’t hacked.
We didn’t accidentally sign up for something dodgy.
Instead, we learned, we grew, and we discovered a side hustle that has been perfect for us.
Breaking the Stigma Around Exploring Side Hustles
There was one particular side hustle we decided to pursue, and it’s been an amazing fit for our family. So you can imagine how upset I felt when I saw someone online label it a scam. Their comment wasn’t just untrue—it had the potential to put off others who might have genuinely benefited from it.
The truth is, approaching opportunities with curiosity doesn’t mean you’ll get caught in a trap. As long as you use your wits, stay cautious, and set boundaries, there’s no harm in looking into something that piques your interest.
Just like my Nanna confidently declared, “We’re just having a look, love,” you can approach online side hustles the same way. If you DM someone for more information and they turn out to be pushy or not a good fit? Block them and move on. No harm done.
What We’ve Learned from “Squizzying” Side Hustles
Through our exploration, Brad and I have learned a lot. Some of it has cost us nothing at all, and some of it has been incredibly affordable. For example, Brad purchased a $9 marketing course that added tremendous value to his existing knowledge.
We’ve also connected with generous people who are happy to share free resources and advice. Exploring different opportunities has been an empowering experience, and it’s opened doors we didn’t even know existed.
Side Hustles for Mums: Don’t Be Afraid to Explore
I’m incredibly passionate about supporting mums who are looking for side hustles to help ease the rising cost of living. If you’ve ever scrolled past an opportunity on social media and thought, “I wonder if this is legit,” I want to encourage you to approach it like my Nanna approached the shops:
Be upfront about your curiosity.
Ask questions.
Take your time to learn before committing.
The best part? Just like window shopping, it doesn’t cost anything to look. And if it’s not for you, no worries—just move on to the next opportunity.
Why Curiosity Is Key
Some people are quick to dismiss side hustles, but they can offer flexibility, income, and opportunities to grow skills you didn’t know you had. I’ve seen mums build amazing businesses, pay off debts, and create more freedom for their families—all because they were curious enough to take a closer look.
The reality is, not every opportunity will be a good fit. But you’ll never know what’s out there unless you take that first step.
A Modern-Day “Squizzy”
Thanks to my Nanna, I’ve learned that there’s no shame in having a look, asking questions, and exploring your options. Whether it’s strolling through the shops or scrolling through social media, the principle is the same:
You don’t have to buy. You’re just browsing.
So, if something catches your eye online, don’t let fear or skepticism hold you back. Ask for more information. You never know—it might turn out to be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
And if it’s not? Just move on, like my Nanna would, with a cheeky smile and a laugh.
Let curiosity guide you—you never know where it might lead.
